This flag design replaces the Union Jack to symbolise New Zealand as an independent sovereign nation. The red-in-white bar is inherited from the St George's Cross component of the Union Jack to represent New Zealand as a constitutional monarchy with The Queen as Sovereign. This flag provides a compromise solution for the majority that want to retain the Union Jack, as the bar component is derived from the British flag to recognise the historical foundation of New Zealand which was once a British colony. Any flag which is intended to replace the existing one needs a dignified appearance for display in official ceremonies. The aggrandised Southern Cross is symbolic of New Zealand's increased independence and represents a brighter future. As the Southern Cross is already New Zealand's national emblem, it may not be necessary to include an additional quasi-national emblem such as the Silver Fern. Some of the most highly esteemed flags in the world are simple yet elegant. This design implements a minimalist approach to create a flag sufficiently distinct from any other world flag yet facilitates the transition from old to new by partially resembling and simplifying the old flag. As the proverb goes, "Less is more".